VR Escape Ltd

Virtual reality escape rooms aren't everyone's cup of tea, but VR Escape Ltd in Benfleet does what it sets out to do without the pretension. You're suited up with a headset, ushered into a warehouse space, and given a puzzle to solve within a time limit. The technology works well enough - no motion sickness issues when I went, which I was braced for - and the scenarios range from heist thrillers to sci-fi adventures.

It's dead good for groups who want something different from the usual theme park rounds. Stag and hen dos pile in here regularly. If you're the type who enjoys escape rooms but finds the physical sets a bit cramped or repetitive, this VR angle does freshen things up. Kids aged ten and up will probably get the most from it, though younger ones might find the sensory overload off-putting.

The location isn't fancy - it's industrial Benfleet rather than Cotswold charm - but that hardly matters once you've got the headset on. You're looking at roughly 60 to 90 minutes all in. If you're staying at Riverside Village Holiday Park nearby, it's a decent rainy-day option or an evening activity, though I wouldn't build a whole day around it. Check ahead for availability and pricing, as sessions book up quickly during school holidays. Parking's straightforward, which counts for something.